The North Dakota Industrial Commission is set to decide on permits for the underground storage of carbon dioxide from Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project. The pipeline would transport CO2 emissions from ethanol plants in the Midwest for storage in central North Dakota. Approval from the commission would be a win for the project, although further legal challenges are likely. The project has faced opposition from landowners concerned about property rights and environmental impacts.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who supports the project, chairs the Industrial Commission and has set a goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. Minnesota utility regulators are also considering approval for a segment of the project.
Summit’s pipeline would transport up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year for underground storage. The project has drawn criticism from environmental groups who question its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Summit has also faced challenges in South Dakota where regulators rejected its application.
The project has received approval in Iowa, with conditions, and is working with counties in Nebraska where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines. Despite legal challenges and opposition, Summit Carbon Solutions is moving forward with its plans to transport and store CO2 emissions from ethanol plants in the Midwest.
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